S&P Cuts Outlook on Russia to Negative from Stable

Cites Prospects of Economic Sanctions as Unrest Escalates in Ukraine

Standard & Poor's Ratings Services lowered its outlook on Russia's ratings to negative, citing heightened geopolitical risks and the prospects of economic sanctions from the West as unrest escalates in Ukraine.

While S&P affirmed its triple-B rating on Russia, which is just two levels into investment-grade territory, S&P's negative outlook suggests the rating could be lowered within the next two years.